Most pet owners have had some experience with fleas. It is much easier to prevent them than to cure them. The earlier you start flea treatment, the less likely your pet will become infested.
Dry skin is heaven for fleas! This can also be a sign of poor nutrition. Feeding your pet on the best diet can dramatically improve the condition of their skin, and this is an effective way of preventing flea problems before they start.
Regularly treating your pet for fleas with a licensed flea treatment is the best way of preventing fleas. Simply pop in store and talk to a member of staff who can help you find the best product for your pet. These products usually come in easy to apply “spot-on” solution forms. These treatments will vary in lengths of time between each application, though it’s usually once every five weeks.
A tell tale sign your pet has fleas is incessant scratching, although some dogs may be able to cope with mild infestations without needing to scratch. Similarly, animals can scratch without actually having fleas. Fur loss, sore patches and small, pepper-like specks (flea dirt) in your pet’s fur are all warning signs of a flea infestation. You may even get bites yourself around your ankles and legs. If you notice any of these warning signs, further investigation is needed to determine whether or not your pet actually has fleas.
If your pet is infested with fleas then try bathing them in a natural flea shampoo. Some shampoos contain pesticides that kill the fleas on the dog or cat and some have residual repellents. Take care when selecting the correct shampoo for your cat, as some contain permethrin and this is poisonous to cats.
Continue to check the progress of the fleas with a flea comb. Although this cannot eradicate the problem, it is an excellent way of tracking the severity of the infestation.